k Authentic Emberá Community Tour in Rio Chagres, at no extra cost
Description
Visiting the Emberá community in Chagres is a unique experience that immerses you in the ancestral culture of this indigenous people. Here's why it's worth it: 1. Connect with a Living Culture The Emberá are one of the seven indigenous ethnic groups of Panama and have preserved their traditions for centuries. You'll learn about their language, dances, traditional music (with flutes and drums), and their lifestyle in harmony with nature. 2. Canoe Adventure on the Chagres River Access to the community is usually by traditional canoe (piragua). The Chagres River is vital to the functioning of the Panama Canal, and the Emberá have been its historical guardians. 3. Unique Arts and Crafts The Emberá are famous for their chunga (plant fiber) baskets and cocobolo wood carvings. 4. Pure nature in Chagres National Park The community is surrounded by tropical rainforest, with hidden waterfalls and trails to explore. 5. Responsible community tourism
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Passengers must be ready at the agreed time, any delay of more than 30 minutes can be considered no show. does not include pick up from Costa del Este, Santa Maria or Playa Bonita.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(17)
It was my first time traveling and I was a little nervous, but from the beginning the agents of Latino Travel were very attentive and that gave me a lot of peace of mind. The guide was friendly, clear and always attentive to the group. The experience in the Emberá community was authentic and very special. I definitely recommend it! especially if it is your first trip and you are looking for something well organized
¡Muchísimas gracias por elegirnos para tu primera aventura! 😊 Nos llena de satisfacción saber que nuestros agentes de Latino Travel lograron transmitirte esa tranquilidad y confianza que buscamos desde el primer contacto. Sabemos que el primer viaje siempre es especial y nuestro objetivo es que solo te preocupes por disfrutar. Es un placer saber que el guía fue de gran ayuda y que la experiencia en la comunidad Emberá te resultó auténtica; es uno de nuestros destinos más queridos. Agradecemos mucho tu recomendación para otros viajeros que buscan su primera experiencia bien organizada. ¡Será un honor acompañarte en tu segundo viaje!
I had an absolutely incredible time on this tour. It was one of the best ones I’ve ever been on and I’ve traveled a lot. I’m super grateful for Eduardo and his wife. Eduardo is super knowledgeable. He shared so much information about the tribe the village and Panama in general, he was super accommodating and had excellent suggestions for things to do in Panama. I would recommend this trip to anyone. From beginning to end, I was satisfied. I hope you consider booking with Eduardo.
We are incredibly grateful for your review! Knowing that you were satisfied from beginning to end is our greatest reward. Eduardo and the whole team at Latino Travel Panamá take great pride in sharing the beauty of our country and its culture. Thank you for choosing us and for your high recommendation!
If you are even remotely interested in local culture this is an excellent trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the area and the native people and made the day very memorable. The village and the people are truly amazing and so friendly.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊 We are delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience connecting with the local culture during your trip. Our goal is always to offer an authentic and memorable glimpse into the lives of the locals, and we are very happy that you found the village so welcoming and pleasant. We will be sure to share your kind words with our guide, whose knowledge and passion for the area make these tours truly special. We hope to see you again! Visit our website at https://latino.travel
A unique experience. I was able to learn a little about the Emberá culture, its traditions, and its internal organization. The staff was very attentive and friendly throughout. I definitely recommend it!
This is fantastic to read! ⭐ We are so pleased you had a unique experience and were able to delve into the Emberá culture and their traditions. Thank you for highlighting our attentive and friendly staff and for your definite recommendation!
We were picked up at our hotel by our personal guide, a Panamanian man who grew up speaking a lot of English in the Canal Zone. He had many insights into Panamanian history and culture and even ventured some cautious statements about the recent politics affecting Panama. He drove us into the Chagres National Park to start our boat tour. The beginning of our tour took us in skinny dugout-style boats to a charming jungle waterfall on a tiny creek that flows into the Chagres River. Some of our fellow tourists were dressed to take a chilly dip in the water, but I struggled not to fall on the slippery rocks that comprised the trail leading up to the waterfall. I fell anyway, in spite of the tread on my so-called hiking shoes. Our next stop: the Embrera village. We were greeted with a flute and percussion ensemble and dancing women. The village leader spoke to us in Spanish (with a translator) and then we were treated to lunch in the local style. Afterwards we roamed the local crafts tables and joined the villagers in group dances. For what seemed to be a delightfully full day, we actually returned to our hotel quite early. I highly recommend this experience, but the short jungle hike on the rocky trail may be a challenge for those with ambulatory or balance issues.
What an immersive and fascinating experience! From the insightful guide with deep knowledge of Panamanian history to the breathtaking trip through Chagres National Park, it sounds like a day full of discovery and culture. The jungle waterfall adventure adds a bit of thrill (despite the slippery rocks—sorry about the fall!), and the warm welcome by the Embera village truly seems like a heartwarming and enriching moment. It’s wonderful how the day blended natural beauty, history, and local traditions. Your thoughtful recommendation for those with mobility concerns is also super helpful for others who may be considering this tour! 😊
From the time my wife and I arrived in Panama, we could feel the atmosphere was simply amazing. We made contact with our guide, George over whattsapp, and took care of all our booking arrangements just the day before our tour. I can say enough good this about our guide George. He made us feel safe and comfortable the entire time! He arranged our lunch for the tour, and he even stopped and grabbed me two ice cold beers for the trip. He's very kind, knowledgeable, and the locals seem to love him. The ride on the river in a canoe was breath taking. We went to a waterfall in the jungle before visiting an Embra tribe at their village. They talked about their way of life, and prepared us one of there traditional dishes of fry fish and plantains. This was followed by the most AMAZING spread of fresh fruit for dessert. We were then treated to a performance involving a number of traditional dancing by the Embra tribe after which we were allowed to join in!! I can't say enough about this tour except just do it. You will not be sorry you did. We're playing our second trip again in August!
Wow! Thank you so much for this truly exceptional and detailed review! We are absolutely thrilled to know that your experience started with an "amazing atmosphere" from the moment you arrived in Panama. It is reviews like yours that validate the hard work of our team, especially George! We agree that he is an outstanding guide. We are incredibly proud to hear that he made you feel safe and comfortable, and went above and beyond with personal touches—from arranging lunch to grabbing those ice-cold beers! We will make sure he receives your compliments, as he is truly valued by us and the locals. We're delighted you enjoyed the cultural aspect, including the breathtaking canoe ride and the immersive visit to the Emberá village. It sounds like you fully embraced their presentation, from the delicious traditional dish of fried fish and plantains (followed by that AMAZING fresh fruit spread!) to the traditional dancing where you got to join in. Your closing endorsement—"just do it. You will not be sorry you did"—is the highest praise we could ask for. We look forward immensely to welcoming you back for your second trip in August!
My wife and I visited this wonderful location. We truly had an amazing experience with our tour guide Jorge Gonzalez as well as the tour guides from the Embera Community. My wife and I enjoyed sailing on the canoes, hiking to and bathing at the waterfall. The tasty food. The song and dance of the indigenous folks. It was truly an awesome and humbling experience. We recommend tourists to visit the Embera Community at Chagres River. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We are thrilled to hear that you and your wife had an "amazing experience" and that you felt the depth of the cultural exchange. We are very proud of our guide Jorge Gonzalez, and we greatly appreciate you recognizing the kindness and expertise of the tour guides from the Emberá Community as well—they are essential to the authenticity of this tour. It sounds like you enjoyed every part of the day, from sailing on the canoes and bathing at the waterfall, to the tasty food and the memorable song and dance. We particularly appreciate you describing it as an "awesome and humbling experience." We agree that visiting the Emberá community on the Chagres River is truly special, and we thank you for your recommendation to future tourists!
Fabulous time. Jorge was the perfect guide. The river trip and Embrero culture were amazing. The Embreros were warm and welcoming.
We were delighted. A 100% recommended and essential experience on our visit to Panama! We thank Jorge, our guide from Latino Travel Panama for his great attention and for helping us enjoy this experience to the fullest.
My husband and I went on this excursion with Jorge our tour guide (Latino Travel). We went first for a hike in the rain forest and got to swim at the waterfall. Then we went to the tribe, where we received a warm welcome with music. The lunch they gave us was fish & plantain and fruits. The fish was amazing!!! They teach us the daily life and history of the Emberá community, you could get temporary “tattoos” and at the end they danced for us, and we also got to dance with them. And all of the woman received a flower crown to put on their heads. You can also see and buy their handicraft. It was an unforgettable experience.
